The 28-year-old signed for the Ohio-based club last July and has since emerged as a key member of Robert Warzycha's first team squad.

The former Besiktas forward was voted MLS Newcomer of the Year last season and the Argentine is hoping to build on those foundations and inspire the club to success ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking to Goal.com, he said: "We look forward to achieving much more than last year. We have begun preparation with some new players and hopefully we all produce good performances and have a great year.

"The goal is definitely the play-offs. We expected to get it last year but it got difficult having lost four or five games. This year the goal is to qualify but we have to take each game as it comes."

The forward also revealed he remains in constant contact with younger brother Gonzalo.

He added: We have a very good relationship. We often speak and he enquires about my well-being. I tell him I'm very happy and comfortable in the United States."

Columbus Crew begin their MLS campaign with a trip to Chivas on March 2.